Friday, February 23, 2018

WEEK OF LENT I

Commemoration of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr

Polycarp was a disciple of John the Apostle and is therefore a connecting link between the Apostolic age and Christian life of the second century. He became bishop of what is now Smyrna in what is now Turkey and was a close friend of Ignatius of Antioch. Polycarp died a martyr’s death in 156 at the age of eighty-four by being burned alive. There is an eyewitness account of his martyrdom, and his is the first saint’s day whose observance is attested in the history of the Church

In the name of the Father, (+) and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

For our sake, O God, you willed that your Son should undergo the shame of the cross to deliver us from the power of the enemy: Grant that we may come to share the grace and power of the resurrection of the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever

Almighty and everlasting God, you kindled the flame of love in the heart of your holy martyr Polycarp: Grant us, you humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in his triumph may profit by his example; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Pray for the renewal of the Church
For Christian witness by all the faithful
For missionaries and their families
For the salvation of the world
For faithfulness to the apostolic tradition
For courage to follow Christ, even to death
For boldness to witness to the faith

Our Father…

The Lord almighty bless (+) us, and direct our days and our deeds in his peace.